Finding Balance this Summer
As we welcome the summer season, it's important to keep in mind the impact that this season can have on our body and mind. In Ayurveda, summer is associated with the Pitta dosha, which is characterized by qualities such as hot and sharp.
During this time of year, Pitta tends to accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms such as inflammation, irritability, and skin issues. Therefore, it's important to take steps to balance the Pitta dosha during the summer season.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips to help you balance Pitta and stay healthy this summer:
Eat cooling and hydrating foods:
These foods include, coconut products like coconut milk and coconut water, cilantro, oats, cucumbers, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, celery, apples, pears, watermelon, avocados, lime and berries.
Avoid hot and spicy foods: Pitta is aggravated by hot, spicy, and acidic foods, so it's best to reduce or avoid these foods during the summer season to avoid aggravating pitta further.
Reduce and avoid heating foods like spicy and sour foods. This includes hot peppers, chilies, onions, excess garlic and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of cool water and herbal teas can help balance Pitta and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating and aggravate Pitta. I love to stay hydrated with aloe vera juice.
Work with the herb Rose
Rose’s sweet and astringent tastes help pacify pitta (heat) in the body and mind.
You can spray your face, hair and body with rose water to cool the mind and body.
You can add rose powder and dried rose petals to your teas to cool the mind and body.
Rose is a nervine, aphrodisiac, relieves heat, congestion of the blood and soothes inflammation & digestion. Rose is known as the flower of love and devotion. Rose is associated with the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Guadalupe miraculously offered roses to Juan Diego in Mexico.
When combined with hibiscus it can support the menstrual cycle.
5. Eat your bitters
The bitter taste is both cooling and drying. Pitta is hot and oily so the bitter taste supports the pacification of pitta. Bitter helps to clear and reduce excess heat stored in the body, especially the liver. The bitter taste also helps lower the body’s blood sugar and to cleanse and purify the blood and the liver. It benefits the skin and relieves common pitta imbalances such as burning, itching, or swelling.
It is best to have your bitters before or at the beginning of a meal, but not required.
Bitter foods include, bitter gourd, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens, dark chocolate and dandelion greens.
6. Giving yourself time to rest, restore and space for self care practices.
Skin care routines, yoga, meditation, going on a walk or hike in nature, swimming in fresh water, take a bath, or give yourself an oil massage with coconut oil. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to help calm the mind and reduce stress.
By taking these steps to balance Pitta during the summer season, you can help support your overall health and well-being. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your self-care routine as needed to stay healthy and balanced.
Wishing you a refreshing and vibrant pitta season.